Gary Bowyer: Dundee appoint former Salford City boss as manager

New Dundee manager Gary Bowyer can "really drive the club forward", says technical director Gordon Strachan.

The Englishman, 50, replaces Mark McGhee at Dens Park following the club's relegation to the Championship.

The former Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Bradford City boss was sacked by Salford City last month after missing out on the League Two play-offs.

Dundee were in discussions with ex-Hibernian manager Shaun Maloney but talks broke down last week.

Bowyer will be joined by former Gretna player Billy Barr, who was his assistant at Salford, while Dave Mackay has been asked to remain on the coaching staff.

"He is someone who ticked all the boxes during the process and that we feel can really drive the club forward," said former Scotland and Celtic manager Strachan.

"Now is the time for everyone to pull together and get right behind the manager and the team for the new season."

Dundee finished bottom of the Premiership, with McGhee having replaced James McPake midway through the 2021-22 campaign.

Bowyer, who says he has no concerns over not being first choice for the manager's job, aims to change the club's "losing mentality".

He added: "I've managed in England for, I think, over 300 league games and I wanted to broaden my horizons. Once I was made aware of the fact there was interest it was a no-brainer for me.

"That's the aim obviously [to go straight back up]. We've got to try and change the mentality very quickly because it's been one of losing games.

"I'm fully aware of how hard the Championship is. It's exciting and we've just got to have a right good go at it."

Bowyer's tenure will begin the new season in next month's Scottish League Cup first-round group stage, playing Hamilton Academical, Stranraer, Queen's Park and Forfar Athletic.

The first round of Championship fixtures will take place on the weekend of 31 July.

Managing director John Nelms says it is "achievable" for Dundee to be playing in a new purpose-built stadium sometime during the 2024-25 season.

The club have submitted an application for a 15,000-seater stadium near Camperdown Park in a development that also includes 210 homes, a 100-bedroom hotel, a crematorium and restaurants.

Nelms revealed the the total cost of the project stands at £144m, with the club's contribution around £30m-£40m.

"My timescales are always much more aggressive than everybody else's," he said. "I want to get this accomplished and get it out so the city of Dundee can enjoy it.

"We're working with city council, we're hoping to have our full application in this summer. From there on we'll keep pushing as fast as we can.

"I would love to be playing in a new facility sometime in the 2024-25 season. I think that's achievable, whether other people think that's achievable [or not].

"The aspects we're going to build and keep, we've had many conversations and have engaged a group that is happy to fund what we're trying to fund."